Channel 4's controversial documentary series Benefits Street is to be investigated by media regulator Ofcom after it generated more than 1,800 complaints from viewers.

The show will be scrutinised over accusations that its portrayal of the residents of James Turner Street in Birmingham was unfair and did not do enough to protect children living on the street.

It will also be investigated over claims that it showed crimes being committed and taught viewers how to shoplift.

The five-part Channel 4 series, made by Love Productions, prompted a storm of protest after its first episode aired on 6 January this year.

The programme, based around a street on which Channel 4 said more than half the residents claimed some form of benefit, polarised opinion between critics who said it demonised the poor and unemployed, labelling it "poverty porn", and those who said it highlighted a social security system in urgent need of reform.

Benefits Street prompted 960 complaints to Ofcom, the majority of them during its first two weeks on air, and more than 800 to Channel 4.

The complaints are understood to cover a broad range of issues in relation to the show, including the protection and portrayal on TV of people under the age of 18, the way in which the James Turner Street residents were depicted, and the portrayal of crime.

It will be Ofcom's most high-profile investigation into a TV programme since it cleared Channel 4 of unfair racial stereotyping in Big Fat Gypsy Weddings.

The producers of Benefits Street and Channel 4 are now working on a second series of the show, although it will not be based on James Turner Street.

The broadcaster looked to meet criticism of the show with an hour-long debate hosted by Richard Bacon addressing some of the issues around the show last week, as well as a 30-minute programme in which some of the residents discussed the media and public response to the series.

A spokesman for Ofcom said: "Following the conclusion of Benefits Street, Ofcom can confirm that it has launched an investigation into the series."

A Channel 4 spokesperson said: "We are confident there has been no breach of the Ofcom code and will be providing a detailed and robust response to the investigation."

• To contact the MediaGuardian news desk email media@theguardian.com or phone 020 3353 3857. For all other inquiries please call the main Guardian switchboard on 020 3353 2000. If you are writing a comment for publication, please mark clearly "for publication".

• To get the latest media news to your desktop or mobile, follow MediaGuardian on Twitter and Facebook.